First of all, it's not some big deal to me. Just a question really. I pre-ordered like many people here. My status hasn't changed on the watch at all. The band has gone back and forth from July to September, to August.

I see that people can now walk into a store and have the watch before me. Which seems pretty funny to "pre-order" something but not have it within a reasonable time compared to normal ordering it from anyone else? What does pre-ordering even accomplish at this point?

Edit: Some great replies so far. The consensus is higher trade in values. Better discounts being available initially.

A good downside being brought up - same with any pre-order product is that you are more likely to be hit with early manufacturing defects if present.